The Boston Celtics recently hosted Auburn standout Johni Broome for a pre-draft workout, according to HoopsHype’s NBA Draft tracker. A former All-American and SEC Player of the Year, Broome brings an impressive college resume into the 2024 NBA Draft conversation — though scouts remain divided on where he’ll land.
The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 18.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game in his super-senior season, leading Auburn to its second-ever Final Four. Despite his dominant college production, draft projections place Broome in the mid-to-late 30s. Fortunately for Boston, that falls right in the range of their two picks at Nos. 28 and 32. With President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens always open to trading around the board, Broome could become a strategic option.
Broome’s story is one of steady rise and relentless effort. He began his collegiate career at Morehead State, where he earned OVC Defensive Player of the Year honors before transferring to Auburn. At Auburn, he continued to excel — earning All-SEC honors multiple seasons and showing he could hang with top-tier talent.
What makes Broome intriguing for the Celtics isn’t just his numbers, but how he got there. He’s a hard-nosed, blue-collar big who plays with heart and hustle — qualities Celtics fans often embrace. He’s not an elite athlete, but his basketball IQ, timing, and instincts allow him to protect the rim and dominate the boards. Last season, he led the SEC in rebounding and averaged over two blocks per game — a consistent mark throughout his time with the Tigers.
Offensively, Broome thrives in the paint with smart post moves and a reliable touch around the basket. He also shows signs of passing savvy, capable of finding cutters and shooters from the high or low post. While his perimeter shot needs work — he hit just 27.8% from three — he has the foundation of a smart, unselfish big.
In today’s NBA, his lack of switchability and limited range may hold him back early on. But if Broome can improve his outside shot, he could carve out a role as a valuable rotation piece for Boston — especially as the team prepares for life without Jayson Tatum during his Achilles recovery.